In a disturbing case that highlights the dark side of online scams and money laundering, a Singaporean man was forced to drink urine and humiliated by his former associates after a bank account he relinquished was frozen by authorities.
The victim, a 25-year-old man referred to in court documents only as A1, had been recruited by Tan Ming Chuan to open a corporate bank account, which was then allegedly used for illegal activities. When the account was locked down, Tan and his associate Cheong Wee Kiat falsely believed A1 had stolen the money, leading to a series of criminal acts against him.
Tan, 28, has since been sentenced to four months and eight weeks in jail, along with a $300 fine. He pleaded guilty to criminal intimidation and misusing a computer system. Cheong’s case is still pending in court.
Scam Network Unravels as Victim Comes Forward
According to Court Documents, Tan had been working under a man named Derrick since 2021, recruiting individuals willing to surrender their bank accounts for quick payouts. For every account obtained, Tan would reportedly receive up to $1,000, keeping a cut of about $300 for himself while handing $500 to the account holder.
In March 2022, A1 was introduced to Tan by Cheong after expressing interest in earning “fast cash.” With Tan’s assistance, A1 set up a company and opened a corporate bank account. He then handed over the ATM card and banking credentials, fully aware that the account would be used unlawfully, Reported The Straits Times.
Over $147,000 was eventually moved through the account. However, A1 never received his promised share, while Tan used his commission on alcohol and clubbing.
Later, when A1’s father discovered suspicious bank statements, the pair went to the bank to shut the account. Bank staff advised A1 to file a police report, which he did on 16 April 2022. The account—containing over $25,000—was subsequently frozen.
Humiliation and Assault in the Name of Retribution
Fearful of financial consequences, A1 cut ties with Cheong. But on 12 September 2022, Tan and Cheong met at the latter’s Bedok Reservoir home and decided to confront A1. That night, they gathered four other individuals and confronted A1 at his block, reported TNP.
Despite A1 insisting he had no money, he was coerced into calling a friend to transfer $800 to one of the group members. As they waited, Cheong punched A1 in the face, causing a cut near his left eyebrow.
Around 1am the following morning, Tan and Cheong devised a cruel plan to “punish” A1. Along with two others, they urinated into a bottle and demanded that A1 either drink it or engage them in a fight. Terrified, A1 drank approximately three-quarters of the urine and poured the rest over himself under their orders.
Singapore Courts Crack Down on Cybercrime and Intimidation
Tan recorded the entire incident on his phone, although he later deleted the footage. A1 lodged a police report the next day, and investigations were launched. Tan’s bail has been set at $20,000, and he is scheduled to begin his sentence on 1 September 2025.
This case draws attention to the growing risks surrounding online financial scams and the exploitation of individuals for cybercrime purposes. Authorities have reiterated the importance of not relinquishing bank accounts or personal details for “quick cash” schemes, which are often fronts for illicit operations.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has warned that victims in such cases may not only lose money but could also face threats, humiliation, and physical harm. Singapore continues to invest in cybersecurity education and enforcement to tackle such fraudulent activities.
If you suspect a scam or know someone vulnerable to such schemes, contact the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688 or visit scamalert.sg for more information.